Mikel Vesga completes move to UD Almería

Mikel Vesga has left Athletic Club to join LaLiga Hypermotion side UD Almería on a permanent transfer.

The midfielder from Vitoria-Gasteiz, whose contract was set to expire on 30 June 2027, leaves Athletic after almost ten seasons and 275 appearances as a Lion. Furthermore, he departs with two winners medals (Copa and Supercopa) and a reputation as a great team player.

Vesga, 33, who initially joined Athletic Club from Deportivo Alavés in the 2014/15 season to play for Bilbao Athletic before making the leap to the first team, will be remembered not only for his long spell at the club but also for his key role in the 2023/24 Copa final victory.

With Ernesto Valverde’s side trailing 1–0 at the break, Vesga also scored in the penalty shoot-out. Over the years, he became a reliable penalty-taker, something helped him reach the ten-goal mark as a Lion.

A midfielder blessed with great on-pitch awareness, but also exemplary off-field behaviour, always putting the team’s interests first, Mikel made his first-team debut under Valverde after shining in Kuko Ziganda's Bilbao Athletic side.

Vesga then had loan spells at Real Sporting de Gijón and Club Deportivo Leganés which helped shape him as a player. He now ranks 60th in Athletic’s all-time appearance makers list and featured most frequently during Marcelino García Toral's two seasons at the helm as well as during the first season in Ernesto Valverde’s latest spell, with a combined total of 43 appearances and four goals.

Athletic Club would like to thank Mikel Vesga for his commitment and dedication throughout his time at the club and wishes him the very best of luck in both his personal and professional future.